William Shakespeare

The early years Born on April 23, 1564 in Stratford on Avon Not much was known about him He belonged to the middle class

Shakespeare’s Schooling

Wife and Children Marriage to Anne Hathaway in 1582. Anne was 26; he was 18. They had 3 children. The youngest, Hamnet, died at the age of 11.

London Went to London at 21. Joined a traveling company of actors. Worked both as an actor and a writer

London Life in the 16th Century Poor sewer system High crime rate 200,000 population The cultural and political heart of England

The Globe Theatre Opened in 1599 His successes had made Shakespeare a rich man. He became one of the principal investors.

Elizabethan Time Period The era is named for Queen Elizabeth I of England. She created the economic and political situation that allowed the Renaissance to spread from mainland Europe to England. Queen Elizabeth I ruled from 1558 to 1603. The “arts” began to flourish during Queen Elizabeth’s reign, and she particularly liked the theatre.

The end of his life Return to Stratford in 1610 Destruction of the Globe Theatre in 1613 (the Great Fire of London) In 1616 Shakespeare died on April 23 (his birthday)

Looking back Shakespeare wrote 37 plays… … and 154 sonnets… … and an unknown number of long epic poems

Shakespeare’s famous techniques He was known for using the following techniques in his writings: Slapstick humor  A boisterous form of comedy marked by chases, collisions, and crude practical jokes. (freedictionary.com) Supernatural elements A play within a play Puns The carpenter was well-known for nailing his work.

Shakespeare’s Language Shakespeare altered standard English in some ways: He sometimes changed grammar. He sometimes inverted word order. He sometimes omitted letters or words.

Shakespeare’s Language Shakespeare was known for creating his own words. He created over 1,000 words, many of which are still in use today.